4 Maidstone Borough Council A park with a view
Two and half million pounds of conservation and improvement works started with scrub clearance and the planting of 140 new parkland trees at Mote Park.
The scrubland has been removed to recreate historic views which have been lost over time. An example of this is the vista between the historic volunteers pavilion and Mote House. The reinstatement of these views has been carefully coordinated with Kent Wildlife Trust to ensure that the ecology of the park is protected.
The new trees will include: Alder, Birch, Hornbeam, Sweet Chestnut, Indian Bean Tree, Eastern Walnut, Beach, Tulip Tree, Oak, Redwood and Lime.
Maidstone Borough Council was awarded a £1.8 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund and is also investing £700,000 in the project. It is the biggest investment in the park since the council purchased it from Lord Bearsted in 1929 for £50,000.
New landscaping and tree planting, focusing on the reinstatement of the parkland landscape.
Improved pedestrian access, with new fully accessible footpaths comprising of an inner (around the lake) and outer circuit, enabling safe wheelchair and pushchair access throughout.
Works to manage the outflow of the lake to reduce lake edge flooding.
Repair of the lake crossing causeway with a natural reed bed treatment to prevent erosion.
New bridge construction in order to provide an accessible pedestrian route across the lake.
Refurbishment of Mote Avenue and School Lane car parks.
New parking facilities via Willington Street entrance.
Installation of electronically controlled gates to prevent unauthorised vehicular access in the park.
Reconstruction of the historic waterfall.
Construction of a boathouse promenade and the relocation of the model boat club platform.
Restoration works to the historic pavilion.
Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Richard Ash, said: “Mote Park is one of Kent’s biggest and best parklands and it has a special place in our lives. We have consulted park users and others. These improvements will conserve the natural habitats of the park, restore many of the features lost over time, and add better facilities for families and disabled people.”
The full list of conservation and improvement works includes:
Interpretation points at the entrances and historic park features enhancing user’s knowledge and interest of the park.
New way finding signage throughout.
New and refurbished park furniture, including litter bins, seating and cycle stands.
Security improvements including the provision of additional CCTV cameras at key locations agreed with the Police.
On-site information boards and signage agreed with community groups.
Fishing areas, including some for anglers with disabilities.
Two local park centres with play equipment (including facilities for children with disabilities) and potential for catering facilities.
Improved seating throughout, providing rest points in the park.
Improvements to park entrances enabling safe access.
Full Kiosk refurbishment - new disabled and baby change facilities and a Disability Discrimination Act compliant service counter.
Historic feature information boards throughout.
www.maidstonesdream.co.uk Volunteering
opportunities available The council is offering volunteers the chance to get involved. “I am sure there won’t be any shortage of volunteers, Maidstone people really care about Mote Park. This is a chance to be part of the next chapter in its history, recreating the historic parkland of a bygone age and adding the facilities for more people to enjoy it”, says Cllr Ash. If you’d like to volunteer call Alan Frith, Mote Park Audience Development Officer on 01622 602119 or email
alanfrith@maidstone.gov.uk Information boards will be displayed in the park. Full details can be found online on
www.maidstone.gov.uk
The roots of the park In 1929 Maidstone Borough Council paid £50,000 to purchase Mote Park, including Mote House, from the 2nd Viscount Bearsted. Large areas in the west of the park were cleared for a showground and sports facilities. Current day facilities include a play area; pitch & putt, café, Maidstone Leisure Centre, football and rugby pitches, model boat club, fishing club and model trains. For more information on the Mote Park Improvement Project visit
www.maidstone.gov.uk
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